Bigger plans in the works at Winchendon Community Park

Doneen Durling Reporter

Wednesday

Sep 11, 2019 at 4:30 PM

WINCHENDON — Members of the committee that has worked to make the Ingleside property nestled on Whitney Pond a working park for the community have brought someone on board to help move forward even bigger plans.

Town Manager Keith Hickey said that the Winchendon Community Park building subcommittee issued a request for an outside project manager, which is something that is required for a project the size of what is being proposed at the community park: an amphitheater and eventual community center for lifelong learning or a makerspace. The outside project manager has been funded through a grant from the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation.

Hickey explained that three potential firms were interviewed for the outside project manager, and one chosen, though a contract has yet to be signed.

“I expect the signing is going to happen sometime in the near future,” said Hickey.

The project’s scope is to first determine whether the former home on the property can be brought up to code and will be usable in a cost-effective manner for what is planned. It would be determined whether it would be more cost effective to demolish the home or whether it would be more effective to bring the building up to code and incorporate it into the plan.

The outside project manager would also help to determine the size of the amphitheater and the costs associated with it, including out-buildings needed for electrical and lighting needs, plus whatever provisions for handicapped accessibility would be appropriate.

Hickey said that the house on the property is not historical, and though it has nice features, the project manager’s job would be to determine whether it is a viable building for a makerspace. The challenge would be the cost to bring it up to code and to make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

When a plan is developed by the outside project manager, it will be presented to Robinson Broadhurst Foundation and the Board of Selectmen.

Grant funding is specific. Hickey said that Robinson Broadhurst is looking at the project as an investment in a brick-and-mortar project.

“From my point of view, they would like to be able to invest some funds in a project they could look back at and see how those funds were used for generations to come, and that is why the priority in this project is brick-and-mortar stuff,” he said.

David Romanowski, co-chairman of the Winchendon Community Park Committee, acknowledged that the primary goal is an amphitheater. He said the plan after the amphitheater is to build the community center for lifelong learning. He said the center would include makerspace for art, technology, cooking, gardening and other opportunities for community members to learn no matter how young or old. He described a place where the community could sit down to eat and learn to prepare healthy food.

“We don’t have that now,” said Romanowski. “The churches have a dinner every once in a while, but there is no place to build community. First, the job of the (outside project manager) will be to determine whether to tear down and rebuild or bring it up to code.”

Romanowski remained positive that the barn and garage would remain standing and would be incorporated into the overall plan.

He said that the person brought on board as the operations manager is familiar with state regulations and procurement law. He described the amphitheater as big enough to bring in entertainment for 100-300 people, calming the fears of those thinking it could be a larger concert venue.

Romanowski is passionate about the trees and waterfront on the property. He said that much time has been spent by a few volunteers discovering what Ingleside has to offer. They have created accessible hiking trails and places for families to come and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature. He said the property will remain as a showcase of nature.

“Once we lose nature, we will never get it back,” he said.

Over time there is hope that fruit trees that have gone a bit wild can be brought back to production. The vision for the park is described as a place where people can go to connect, learn, create, listen to music and plays, and eventually make use of the waterfront and Whitney Pond for fishing, kayaking and fun.

The committee is seeking many hands to keep the work light.

The Robinson Broadhurst Foundation trustees will be having a forum where people can voice an opinion on what they would like to see happen for the town in the coming years. The forum will be held at American Legion Post 193, 295 School St., on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m.

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